Things You'll Need:
- Professional Certification or a degree
- Office space
- Desk and chair (or chairs)
- Conference table and chairs (desirable but not essential)
- Computer
- Phone/Voice Mail
- Fax machine
- Copy machine
- Letterhead and envelopes
- Business Cards
- Brochure of Services Offered Including Fees
- Vendors and Suppliers
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Step 1
Complete a certification program through a college or a professional organization such as the Association of Bridal Consultants, the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consults, June Wedding, or Weddings Beautiful Worldwide. In addition to attending regular classes, some of these schools have programs that you can complete on-line. Each of these organizations offers extra benefits after completion of your certification--such as networking resources for vendors, referral lists of graduates, advertising, job placement, or internships with an experienced wedding consultant.
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Step 2
Set up your office, whether it is a rented space or an office in your home. If you don't already have them, you will need a desk, computer, a phone with answering service or a machine, fax machine, and seating for your clients. You will also need business cards, letterhead and envelopes.
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Step 3
Connect with vendors you plan to use such as wedding sites and banquet halls, caterers, DJ services, photographers, florists, bakeries, officiants, hotels, printing companies, and limousine services. Introduce yourself to them individually. Attend bridal showers and other wedding events where you have an opportunity to meet them. Try to build a rapport with the vendors you wish to use to promote a good working relationship. Determine the most popular honeymoon destinations, and locate reputable travel agencies to work with if you are going to include honeymoon planning as one of your services.
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Step 4
Determine what services you plan to offer. Create a brochure explaining what you will do and your fees. Be sure to include your professional credentials along with your contact information. Include information and prices for a selection of the vendors that you are recommending.
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Step 5
Advertise your services. Use your business cards and brochures to establish yourself. Mail your brochure to newly engaged couples when they are announced in your local newspapers. Distribute business cards wherever you go including your vendors when you make those contacts. Advertise in local newspapers. Attend bridal shows to make contact with brides-to-be as well as wedding vendors. Eventually word of mouth will be your best advertising. You can also include testimonials from clients in the next printing of your brochure.
